Method and apparatus for repairing main and lateral pipes

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for repairing a pipe system including a main pipe extending between a first and second manhole and one or more lateral pipes extending from the main pipe is provided. Aspects of the invention include the use of a main liner member having a plurality of lateral liner tubes in fluid connection and extending from the main liner member. The main liner member is used to line a main pipe, while the multiple lateral liner tubes extend into separate lateral pipes extending in various orientations from the main pipe. This method and apparatus provides for a single assembly to be able to line multiple pipes, which reduces time and cost for pipe repair.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to provisionalapplication Ser. No. 61/813,254, filed Apr. 18, 2013, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to pipe repair. More particularly, butnot exclusively, the invention relates to a method and apparatus forrepairing one or more lateral pipes at the same time as repairing a mainpipe that the lateral pipes extend from.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One method of repairing the junction between main and lateral sewerpipelines is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,079, which is herebyincorporated in its entirety. A liner assembly, as shown in FIG. 3 ofthe '079 patent, includes a lateral liner 26 connected to a flat sheetliner 28. Both liners 26, 28 are formed of felt or other resin absorbentmaterial. The resin is absorbed into both liners in an uncured state andthe liners are held in place in the host pipelines as the resin is curedand hardened to form a hardened liner.

However, it is the general case that the main pipe extends between twoservice pipes or access shafts, which may be manholes. The main pipeextending between two manholes may include multiple lateral pipesextending therefrom. Furthermore, the lateral pipes may extend atdifferent angles, both in relation to the radial configuration of themain pipe and to the angle between the axis of the main pipe and theaxis of the lateral pipe. The plurality of lateral pipes extending fromthe same circumferential ring on the main pipe can make it moredifficult to repair both the main and lateral pipes.

For example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,114, it has been thecase where each lateral pipe is lined from the main pipe, and then themain pipe is lined. In order to do this, a portion of the main pipe isrepaired at the junction between the main and lateral pipes. Therefore,the portion of the pipe is essentially double lined, first, by therepair of the lateral pipe, and then by the main pipe repair. Theadditional layers of pipe repairing liner can create obstructions in themain pipe. Obstructions are unwanted in pipes such as these, as they canreduce cross section of the pipe and may inhibit the flow.

In addition, the time and expense associated with lining the lateralpipes separately, and then lining the main pipe, is great. It takes arather long time for resin impregnated into the repair liners to cure. Arepair crew has to wait until the previous repairs have cured andhardened prior to moving on to the next repair. This can cause days'worth of delays when repairing the pipes. The delays and the amount ofrepair material needed to repair the main and lateral pipes increasesthe cost of the repairs as well, for both the repair crew and themunicipality or organization paying for the repair.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus forrepairing main and lateral pipes that allows a repair crew to repair oneor more lateral pipes extending from a main pipe at the same time ofrepairing the main pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of thepresent invention to overcome the deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention toprovide apparatus, methods, and/or systems for repairing a pipe system.

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention toprovide a system, method, and/or apparatus for lining a plurality oflateral pipes.

It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the inventionto provide a method of repairing pipes including a main pipe extendingbetween a first and second manhole and one or more lateral pipesextending from the main pipe.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention toprovide a repair assembly for repairing at least a portion of a mainpipe between a first and second manhole, as well as one or more lateralpipes extending from the main pipe.

It is yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the inventionto provide a liner assembly comprising a main liner member and one ormore lateral liner tubes extending from the main liner member, the linerassembly capable of everting from within the main bladder tube.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the inventionto provide a bladder assembly comprising a main bladder tube and one ormore lateral bladder tubes extending from the main bladder tube tocoincide with the one or more lateral pipes, with the one or morelateral bladder tubes capable of everting from a position at leastpartially within the main bladder to a position at least partiallyoutside the main bladder.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The presentinvention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features andadvantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object,feature, or advantage.

Accordingly, exemplary aspects of the invention provide for the repairof a main pipe extending between service pipes, which may be upstreamand downstream manholes. The main pipe includes one or more lateralpipes extending at various angles therefrom. The invention includes arepair assembly capable of repairing a portion of the main pipe alongwith one or more lateral pipes at the same time. The repair assemblyincludes both a bladder assembly and a liner assembly.

The bladder assembly includes a main bladder tube and one or morelateral bladder tubes extending therefrom. The bladder assemblycomprises a material that can be inflated with a fluid to expand themain and lateral bladders to a diameter substantially equal to thediameters of the main and lateral pipes. The liner assembly includes amain liner member and one or more lateral liner tubes. The linerscomprise a resin impregnable material, such as felt or the like, andthey are impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing andhardening. Furthermore, the liners may be sized to approximately thesize of the pipes to be repaired, or else may be stretchable such thatone size of liner is used for different sized pipes to be repaired.

The liners, either before or after impregnation with the material, areoperatively connected to the bladder assembly. The liners are invertedto a position generally within the main and lateral bladders, with themain liner frangibly attached to the main bladder to better hold themtogether prior to insertion into the pipe. The assembly is thenconnected to a fluid source, either directly by the bladder, or via alay flat hose launcher device.

The assembly is then positioned and/or inserted in an upstream manholeand moved through the pipeline to a specified location. Fluid is addedfrom the fluid source to inflate and/or expand the bladders. The fluidcauses the liner and bladder assembly to be inverted through the mainpipe such that the main liner member moves from a position generallywithin the main bladder to a position between the main bladder and thewall of the main pipe, with the main bladder pressing the main lineragainst the wall. The one or more lateral bladders and liners arepositioned such that they will also invert from within the main bladderand liner at the location of the one or more lateral pipes extendingfrom the main pipe. The lateral bladder and liner will extend into thelateral pipe, with the lateral liner tube moving from a positiongenerally within the lateral bladder to a position between the lateralbladder tube and the lateral pipe.

The fluid pressure is maintained until the main bladder and liner havereached their end point, and the included number of lateral pipes hasbeen repaired. The pressure is also maintained until the resinousmaterial of the liner assembly has cured and hardened. The bladders canbe removed from the main and lateral pipes, leaving repaired pipes.

The invention also contemplates that the full main pipe, including allof the lateral pipes extending therefrom, from the first manhole to thesecond manhole, be repaired using the method and apparatus described.Thus, the invention is not to be limited to the exact configurationsshown and described below, and may include any number of lateralbladders and liners as needed per pipe configuration.

Additional steps and elements may be included to aid in aligning thelateral liners/bladders with the lateral pipes as the assembly isinflated through the pipes. A robot may be introduced from thedownstream manhole and configured with a camera and a positioningdevice. The camera will allow an operator to view the orientation of thebladder and liner assemblies as the system inflates through the mainpipe. If the robot camera reveals that the assembly needs re-oriented,e.g., rotated, the robot can attach the positioning device to theeverting face of the main bladder/liner while the fluid is momentarilypaused, and the assembly can be rotated as needed.

Furthermore, the assembly can include a mark along the length of themain bladder/liner to use as a reference point at the point of eversion.A positioning member can be attached to the lay flat hose-launchingdevice or the assembly itself to selectively rotate the assembly asneeded during the introduction of the fluid in the assembly. This can beair driven or mechanical to rotate the assembly as the fluid is added tomaintain the positioning of the reference marker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a pipe system to be repaired by aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a view of a repair assembly for use with aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a view of a liner assembly for use with the repair assemblyaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of a liner assembly being impregnated with a materialcapable of curing and hardening.

FIG. 5 is another view of the liner assembly being impregnated with amaterial capable of curing and hardening.

FIG. 6 is a view of an end of the liner assembly during preparation ofthe repair process.

FIG. 7 is a view of closed ends of the liner assembly with ropesattached thereto.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an end of the repair assembly with afluid hookup attached thereto.

FIG. 9 is a view of the repair assembly being marked for orientationduring the repair of the pipe system.

FIG. 10 is a view of the repair assembly being prepared by banding anend of the repair assembly prior to positioning within the pipe system.

FIG. 11 is a view of the end of a configuration of the repair assemblyaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the pipe system being lined according toaspects of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the pipe system with the repair assemblyinflated therein.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the pipe system with the liner left inplace.

FIG. 15 is schematic view of a robotic device used to aid in orienting arepair assembly as it is inverted through a main pipe.

FIG. 16 is a view of another pipe system.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the pipe system of FIG. 16 with a linerassembly lining the pipes of the system.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figuresrepresented herein are not limitations to the various embodimentsaccording to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustrationof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a pipe system inneed of repair. The present invention provides for methods andapparatuses for repairing such a system. The system shown in FIG. 1includes manholes, which are depicted as a first manhole 10 and a secondmanhole 12. The first manhole 10 may also be referred to as an upstreammanhole, while the second manhole 12 may also be referred to as adownstream manhole. Extending between the first and second manholes 10,12 is a main pipe 14. Furthermore, a plurality of lateral pipes,depicted as numerals 16 and 17, extend from the main pipe 14. It isnoted that the lateral pipes extend in various directions relative toboth the radial configuration and angular configuration of the mainpipe. For example, the radial configuration of the lateral pipesextending from the main pipe 14 may be referred to as the position ofthe lateral pipes when viewing a cross-section of the main pipe 14 andlooking along the axis of the main pipe 14. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1,the lateral pipes 16, 17 may extend from generally the same circulararea along the main pipe 14 at different clock positions. Some clockpositions for lateral pipes may be at 1:30 and 9:00, or even directly orapproximately opposite one another at a location of the main pipe 14.However, the exact positioning, as well as the number, of the lateralpipes is not to be limiting to the present invention. The angularposition or configuration of the lateral pipes may be referred to as theangle between the axis of the main pipe 14 and the axis of the lateralpipe extending therefrom. For example, the lateral pipes 16, 17, whilebeing similar in the plane of the main pipe, extend at different obtuseangles to the main pipe 14. This may be referred to as wye-shaped orwye-configured pipes. Additional or alternative lateral pipes mayinclude an axis that extends generally orthogonal to the axis of themain pipe 14. This is generally referred to as a tee-shaped lateral pipeconfiguration.

It should also be noted and appreciated that the present inventionprovides for the repair of a pipe system including only one lateral pipeextending from the main pipe. In such a system, the present inventionwill provide for repair of the main pipe and the one lateral pipe duringthe same repair process, and not separately, as has been the case. Forexample, the lateral pipe can be repaired as the main pipe is beinglined by a liner that is everted through the main pipe.

The present invention contemplates that the methods and assemblies, aswill be shown and described, can be used to repair generally anyconfiguration of radial and angular configuration of one or more lateralpipes, as well as being able to repair the one or more lateral pipesduring repair of the main pipe 14. As will be understood, at least someembodiments of the present invention contemplate that the entire lengthof the main pipe 14 extending between the first manhole 10 and thesecond manhole 12 may be repaired at one time, while also repairing eachand every one of the lateral pipes 16, 17 at the same time and/or usingthe same assembly. Alternatively, some embodiments of the presentinvention contemplate that only a partial section of the main pipe 14extending between the first manhole 10 and the second manhole 12 may berepaired at one time, while also repairing one or more of the lateralpipes 16, 17 at the same time.

The lining of the main pipe 14 and one or more lateral pipes during aneversion or inversion process provides numerous benefits over the priorart. For example, the lining of one or more lateral pipes along with themain pipe using a single assembly will reduce the time and expense forrepairing the pipes such that more pipes can be repaired within anamount of time for a resinous material to cure and harden. Previously,each lateral pipe had to be repaired independently, and only before orafter the main pipe had been lined, which greatly increased the amountof time and the cost of repairing the pipe system. Furthermore, the useof a single assembly to repair the main pipe as well as one or morelateral pipes extending therefrom will reduce the likelihood ofobstructions in the pipe resulting from the overlap of multiple layersof liners used to repair walls of the main and lateral pipes. Forexample, it has been known to repair the lateral pipes including aportion of the main pipe being repaired as well using a resinimpregnated liner. Once the lateral pipes had been repaired, the mainpipe would receive a separate resin impregnated liner, which wouldoverlap the portions of the main pipe that were repaired during repairof the lateral pipes. At this location, the multiple layers of linercould reduce the diameter of the pipes such that obstructions may beformed. This could cause blockages in the pipe system, which would needto be cleaned out. The present invention contemplates the reduction ofsuch obstructions such that the substantially full diameter of the mainand lateral pipes will be open for passage of any refuse therethrough.

FIGS. 2-15 show aspects of the invention. It should be noted that thefigures are not an exhaustive list of all possible variations of saidmethods and means of repairing a main pipe and one or more lateral pipesextending therefrom, and are shown for exemplary purposes. As will beunderstood, many variations, substitutions, and alternatives may beincluded. For example, while many of the aspects shown include repairfor two lateral pipes, it is to be understood that the present inventioncontemplates the repair of any number of lateral pipes extending from amain pipe such that the assembly 20 can be used to repair one or morelateral pipes along with the repair of the main pipe as a main liner iseverted or otherwise inverted through a main pipe.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a repair assembly 20. The repairassembly includes a bladder assembly 21 comprising a main bladder tube22, as well as a plurality of lateral bladders 24, 25 fluidly attachedto and extending therefrom. In the assembly shown, there are two lateralbladders 24, 25 attached to the main bladder 22. The main bladder tube22 may include apertures, such as main bladder tube openings positionedradially about the axis of the main bladder tube. The lateral bladdertubes 24, 25 can be connected at the main bladder tube openings, such asby stitching, welding, adhesives, or the like. The main and lateralbladder tubes 22, 24, 25 comprise a generally fluid impermeable materialsuch that they are able to expand with the introduction of a fluid intothe bladders. The bladders may include an open end and an oppositeclosed end, which can be an end that is closed off. Furthermore, thebladder may be translucent or opaque depending on the type of resin usedwith the liner assembly 30, as will be discussed. It should beappreciated that any length of main bladder tube 22 may be utilized torepair a length of the main pipe 14. For example, in some instances, thefull length of main pipe 14 will need to be lined and repaired, while inothers, only a portion of the main liner is repaired. Furthermore, thelateral bladders 24, 25 will be sized such that they are able to extendthe full length of repair into the corresponding lateral pipes.

Once the configuration of the main and lateral pipes has beendetermined, the main and lateral bladders may be prepared according tothe specifications of the pipe system. The pipe system configuration,including specifications for the pipe lengths, diameters, orientations,locations, change in diameter, etc. can be determined in many differentways. For example, a camera may be used to pass through the variouscomponents of the pipe system to determine said specifications.Alternatively, a laser measuring apparatus can be passed through thepipe system to accurately measure the layout and specifications for thepipes of the pipe system. Any other method of determining thespecifications and/or other characteristics of a pipe system arecontemplated. This will determine the preparation of the bladder andliner assemblies, including, but not limited to the number of lateralbladders needed. For example, the lateral bladders 24, 25 may bepositioned along the length of the main bladder tube 22 such that as themain pipe is being repaired, the lateral bladder tubes will align ormatch up with the openings of the lateral pipes extending from the mainpipe.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the method of repairing thepipes may utilize an inversion process. As is known, the inversionprocess provides that the lateral bladder tubes 24, 25 are inverted to aposition at least partially within the main bladder tube 22. The closedend of the main bladder tube 22 will be everted through itself, and canpass through a launcher opening, according to some aspects, which may bea separate element or the open end of the bladder itself. As air oranother fluid is introduced to the bladder assembly 21, the closed endof the main bladder tube 22 everts from within itself and towards adistal end of the main pipe 14, i.e., towards the second manhole 12. Ata location of the lateral pipe openings, the lateral bladder tubes 24,25 will be everted or forced through the main bladder tube openings andinto the lateral pipes with the closed end of each of the lateralbladder tubes 24, 25 being everted through itself and towards a distalend of the lateral pipe.

As should be appreciated, the eversion of the bladders can begin at ornear a first manhole, or can begin at a distance away from the first orsecond manhole. For example, according to some aspects of the invention,the repair of the main pipe may not be needed for the full length of thepipe, and instead, may begin adjacent the first lateral pipe or evenpast the first lateral pipe. The bladder assembly can be configured tomatch up with such a configuration, as needed.

Also shown in FIG. 2, as well in FIG. 3, is a liner assembly 30. Theliner assembly 30 includes a main liner member 26 connected to aplurality of lateral liner tubes 27, 28 extending therefrom. While thefigures show a liner assembly 30 with two lateral liners 27, 28, itshould be appreciated that the invention includes the use of any one ormore lateral liners. The main liner member 26 may comprise a tube ortubular shaped member, or can be a flat sheet rolled up with ends atleast partially overlapping one another. The lateral liner tubes 27, 28are attached to the main liner member 26 at liner junctions. The lateralliner tubes 27, 28 may be attached at main liner member openings viastitching, welding, adhesive, tape, liquid resin, or the like. Forexample, according to some aspects of the invention, the liner tubes arestitched to the main liner, and then a UV-curable resin is added at thejunctures and cured to aid in sealing the liner assembly 30.Furthermore, the main and lateral liners comprise a resin absorbentmaterial, such as felt or the like. As will be understood, the linerassembly 30 is impregnated with a resinous, epoxy, or grout materialcapable of curing and hardening prior to being positioned within themain and lateral pipes. The resin absorbent material of the liners willhold the material and transport it to the pipes to cure, thus, repairingthe pipes.

The main and lateral liners 26, 27, 28 may be sized to substantially orapproximately the size of the pipes being repaired, or can comprise amaterial such that one size of liner may be used for any number or sizeof pipes. For example, the liners may comprise a material that is largeror smaller than one or more portions of the pipes such that the liner isable to expand or fold on itself at the varying diameters of the pipes.Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the main liner 26 comprises aconfiguration that prevents longitudinal stretching of the liner duringthe repair process. This may include the use of glass or other materialsoriented a specific way in a layer of the liner, or any other way thatis known to prevent the longitudinal stretching. Such a configuration isdisclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 12/987,722, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The bladder assembly 21 can be utilized to expand to press the main andlateral liners toward and against the walls of the main and lateralpipes. Furthermore, similar to the lateral bladders, the lateral linertubes 27, 28 are fluidly attached to the main liner member 26 such thatthe lateral liner tubes will extend into the lateral pipes as the systemis inverted through the main pipe. Therefore, the lateral liner tubesare measured and attached to the main liner member according to thespecifications of the pipe system to be repaired, e.g., according to thenumber and configuration of lateral pipes.

The repair assembly 20 as shown in FIG. 2 shows the liner assembly 30 inits inverted position generally within the bladder assembly 21. Beforethe inversion of the repair assembly 20 into the pipe system, the mainliner member 26 will be positioned generally, or at least partially,within the main bladder tube 26 and the lateral liner tubes 27, 28 willbe positioned generally, or at least partially, within the lateralbladder tubes 24, 25. The lateral bladder tubes and liner tubes willalso be at least partially inverted within the main bladder as well. Aswill be understood, as the assembly is everted through the pipe system,the eversion of the bladders under the fluid pressure cause the linersto move from the position within the bladders to a position generallybetween the bladders and the main and/or lateral pipes. The continuedpressure of the bladders will press the liners against the main andplurality of lateral pipes until the material impregnated within theliners has cured and hardened. At this time, the bladders can be removedfrom the pipe system, thus remaining a repaired section of main pipe aswell as repaired plurality of lateral pipes extending from the mainpipe.

Furthermore, the length of the main and/or lateral liners may be variedaccording to the repair needs. For example, in some instances, the fulllength of the main pipe will be repaired, and thus, the length of themain liner member will be the full length of the main pipe. However, inother configurations, only portions or select distances of the main pipewill be repaired, while also repairing the lateral pipes extendingtherefrom. In such configuration, the location and distance of the mainpipe to be repaired is determined, such by the use of a camera andmeasuring the cord connected thereto. The liner can then be locatedwithin the bladder to provide that the liner will be everted to coveronly the portion of pipe to be repaired. Such a method of measuring andlocating can be found in U.S. Ser. No. 12/250,264, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, it iscontemplated that sections of main pipe be repaired by sections of mainliners. For example, it is contemplated that multiple sections of mainliner members be separate from one another and located in the bladderassembly such that they will be everted to repair only select locationsof the main pipe, while also providing for the use of one or morelateral liner tubes to be everted into the one or more lateral pipes, asthe main bladder and liner are everted through the pipe.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is contemplatedthat the bladder assembly 21 may not be required. For example, the linerassembly 30 may comprise a first layer of felt or resin absorbentmaterial and a second impermeable coating layer. The main liner and theone or more lateral liners extending from the main liner will have anopen end near a launching device or fluid source and an opposite closedend. The closed end could be formed by banding or otherwise closing asecond open end of the liners. The liner assembly 30, in thisembodiment, can be inverted within itself such that the felt or resinabsorbent layer is initially positioned on the inside (facing inward)and the liner assembly is everted from itself such that the felt layerwill be positioned between the fluid impermeable coating and either themain or lateral pipe wall to be repaired. An example of such a liner isdisclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2013/0081732, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, once theresinous material has cured and hardened within the main pipe and theone or more lateral pipes, the closed ends of the liner assembly can becut using a cutting robot or tool to reinstate access through the mainand lateral pipes. However, it is also contemplated that the ends of theliners remain open, and/or the ends of the lateral tubes could be closedby attaching a parachute end, or an inflatable plug could be insertedinto the open end of the lateral liner tubes. These are not to beconsidered an exhaustive list.

According to addition aspects, the main liner member 26 includes animpermeable coating, and the lateral may or may not. There would be nobladder used to evert and inflate or expand the main liner tube, butthere is a lateral bladder in the lateral liner tubes. In such anembodiment, the lateral bladder tubes may extend into the main linertube by way of a flange located at the lower end of the lateral bladder.That flange can be frangibly connected to the main liner tube and sealedto the coated side of the main liner. The ends of the main tube areclosed and require cutting, but the upper ends of the lateral tubesremain open by the lateral bladders.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show aspects of the resin impregnation process for theliner assembly 30. This may also be known as the wetting out process.Once the repair assembly has been assembled with the liner assembly 30being positioned generally within the bladder assembly 21, the resinmaterial can be impregnated into the liner assembly 30. The open ends ofthe liner and bladder assembly are temporarily clamped shut, such as bya clamp 50, as shown in FIG. 4. However, both ends of the main bladder22 can remain open. A vacuum system is attached to an open portion ofthe assembly or main bladder to draw air and resin through the assemblyto ensure that the full liner assembly is impregnated with the resinousmaterial. The resinous material is poured into another open end of themain bladder with the bladder assembly on the outside of the linerassembly. A weighted roller 52, as shown in FIG. 5, or two calibrating“pinch rollers”, can be used along with the vacuum to aid in drawing andworking the resinous material through the full length of the main andlateral liners of the assembly. The assembly is worked until the fulllength of the main liner as well as all of the lateral bladdersextending therefrom has been impregnated with resinous material.

The resinous material used to repair the pipe assembly may be any typeof curable liquid resin that is appropriate for the application such asepoxy or polyester type resin systems. Furthermore, the resin may be anytype of curable resin. Types of curable resin may include a two-partresin wherein the resinous material begins to cure once the two parts ofthe resin have been mixed together. When a translucent bladder assemblyis used, the resin may be a photo curing resin, such as a UV resinwherein once the assembly is expanded within the main and plurality oflateral pipes, a light, such as UV light is incorporated within thebladder assembly to cure the resin therein. Other types of lights may beused with photo curing resins that are capable of curing with exposureto any light. A thermoset resin may be used with the assembly such thatthe introduction of heat by steam or other heat source is provided asthe expanding fluid to activate the curing of the resin once theassembly has been positioned within the main and plurality of lateralpipes. It should be appreciated that this is not to be understood to bean exhaustive list of the types of resins, grouts or other materialsused for curing and hardening within the pipes, and that the presentinvention contemplates that generally any type of curable materialcapable of curing and hardening may be utilized with the repair assembly20 of the present invention such that the material is capable of curingand hardening within the pipe to repair the wall of a pipe according toindustry standards.

It should be noted that if the liner is installed from manhole tomanhole, then there will not be a bladder used and the rope or string isconnected directly to the ends of the liner tubes. The ropes or stringscan aid in determining the length of the main and lateral liner tubes asthey are inflated and/or expanded through the pipes. A bladder isgenerally used when the repair is made in the pipe at a localizedlocation, or when the repair begins at a manhole and terminates shy ofthe adjacent manhole.

Once the liner assembly has been impregnated with the material capableof curing and hardening, and possibly even before that step, the mainand lateral bladders 22, 24, 25 of bladder assembly 21 have an end thatis closed off and fitted with a control string or rope 52. The string 52may be attached to the closed end of the bladder assembly, as is shownin FIGS. 6-7. As will be understood, the strings or ropes 52 will bestrung through a hole 51 of the repair assembly 20 and out the launcherend and/or launcher device. The strings 52 can be utilized to ensurethat the full length of the main and lateral bladders have been inflatedand expanded through the main and lateral pipes, and also used to removethe bladders from the pipes once the material has cured and hardened inthe pipes. As shown in FIG. 6, the bladders may be punctured and ropeattached through the hole 51 in the bladders. The end of the bladderswith the string or rope 52 may be then closed off using tape or otherbanding means, as is shown in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an assembly 20 that has been impregnated with theresinous material, closed off, and attached to strings 52 being strungthrough a launcher device 40, such as a lay flat hose with a fluid headat the end. According to embodiments of the invention, a lay flat hosemay be used as a launcher device 40 at the service pipe or manhole onthe upstream side of the repair. The repair assembly 20 can bepositioned through the launcher device 40 such that the liner assembly20 is positioned generally on the interior of the bladder assembly andthe bladder assembly is inverted on itself through the launcher device40. It should also be noted that the main liner member could befrangibly attached to the main bladder tube to aid in maintaining theposition of the repair assembly 20. As shown in FIG. 8, a fluidconnection 42 is connected at an end of the launcher device 40 and theropes 52 connected to each of the ends of the main and lateral bladdersare strung through the fluid connection 42. It should also beappreciated that the number of ropes generally matches up with thenumber of bladders used. Thus, when a main and two lateral pipes arebeing repaired with the repair assembly, a separate rope (three intotal) will be connected to the end of the main pipe and each of the twolateral bladders. Therefore, as shown in the Figures, the particularconfiguration shown will include three ropes. If more or less lateralbladders will be repaired with the repair assembly, additional ropes canbe utilized and attached to the ends of each of the additional lateralbladders, or can be removed.

Prior to inverting the components of the repair assembly 20 into andthrough the launcher device 40, a reference marker 60 can be marked onthe main bladder 22, as is shown in FIG. 9. The mark can be used to aidin orienting the assembly 20 prior to eversion and also while in thepipe system. There are at least two different methods of installation.One method uses a launcher (lay flat hose) positioned in a pipe andanother method uses some sort of launcher (reel) located outside of thepipe. Regardless of the installation method, it is preferred that thepipe is surveyed using a digital video capture measuring device. Thisdevice is a tool that captures and records the exact or approximateconfiguration of the main and lateral piping system between an upstreamand a downstream manhole. An example of the digital videocapture-measuring device is an IBAK Panoramo camera sold by Rapid View,1828 West Olson Road, Rochester, Ind. 46975. However, other types ofrobots and places of purchase may be used. The data, including specificmeasurements, can be used to create a blueprint of the pipe. A linerassembly is made to substantially match the piping blueprint.

A bladder assembly 21 is used and has a configuration substantiallymatching the liner assembly 30 when the liner is used to repair alocalized section of main and one or more lateral pipes, and the repairdoes not include the entire length of main pipe from manhole to manhole.In this situation, the launcher may be located within the main pipe, orthe launcher may be located outside of the main pipe. Regardless of thelocation of the launcher, it is noted that the main liner tube 26 isfrangibly attached to the main bladder 22. During the manufacturingprocess of the bladder, a reference mark 60 is made on the exteriorsurface of the main bladder 22 at a location to be identified as a 12:00pipe reference. The liner and bladder are formed as a liner/bladderassembly 20. The assembly 20 is saturated with a liquid resin. The resinsaturated repair assembly 20 is loaded or pulled into the launchingdevice 40 by strings 52 attached to the end of each lateral bladder andthe closed mainline bladder end. In the situation where the launcher isinserted into the pipe, the launcher is also pulled to the desiredlocation at a predetermined distance from the manhole.

A robotically controlled camera can be located in the main pipe andpositioned at the open end of the launcher such that the camera isviewing the everting face of the main bladder and/or liner. Identifyingthe proper distance can be accomplished by simply measuring the distancethe launcher is pulled into the pipe. Fluid pressure is then applied tothe launcher causing the liner and bladder to begin to evert out fromthe launcher and into the pipe. As the main bladder 22 extendsapproximately 18+ inches past each end of the main liner tube, the mainbladder tube 22 will first evert out from the launcher 40. The cameraoperator will have a visual view of the bladder having the referencemarker. The camera is outfitted with an instrument that identifiesexactly 12:00 by a pointing laser beam or similar methods of marking thecrown of the pipe at 12:00. The operator ensures that the reference markon the mainline bladder is perfectly aligned with the 12:00 mark of thecrown of the pipe. If the reference mark is not in alignment, thelauncher is outfitted with a device that causes the launcher to rotateso the marks are aligned.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a robot 60 may be operativelyconnected to the lining assembly 20, such as by a guiding plate 62 witha protruding blade. The robot can be moved through the main pipe 14 viaa rope or cord 61 as the liner assembly 20 is everted into the pipesystem. A camera (not shown) can be positioned at or on the robot 60 toview the marker 60 on the bladder assembly 21. If the orientation of themarker 60 is not oriented correctly, the plate 62 of the robot 60 can beutilized to rotate the lining assembly 20, such that the lateralbladder/liner combinations will be aligned with the correspondinglateral pipes of the pipe system.

In the situation where a repair assembly 20 is used and the launcherdoes not enter the pipe, the main liner tube 26 is manufactured havingthe longitudinal reference mark in the same fashion as described formarking the bladder. Additionally, a mark is made around thecircumference of the main liner tube, and this mark identifies a zerodistance mark that is aligned with the face of the pipe opening at theinsertion manhole. Again, the liner assembly is saturated and loadedinto a launcher outside of the pipe. The liner/bladder assembly isinverted such that the circumferential mark is aligned with the face ofthe pipe and the main liner tube begins to invert, progressing throughthe pipe. In this situation, the camera is mounted to a robustmechanical robot 60 having a guide plate with a protruding blade 62(see, e.g., FIG. 15). The robot 60 uses the camera to view the referencemark on the main liner tube. The robot 60 is also outfitted with aninstrument that identifies the 12:00 reference mark. The robot may be aSchwalm robot distributed in North America by LMK Technologies, 1779Chessie Lane, Ottawa, Ill. 61350. However, other types of robots andplaces of purchase may be used.

Once the liner has progressed a short distance into the pipe (e.g.,approximately 1-2 feet), the robot 60 drives forward until the flatprotruding blade is inserted into the elongated opening of the evertingliner and the plate is in contact with the everting liner. At this time,the robot drive mechanism is placed in neutral. Additional fluidpressure is added, causing the liner/bladder assembly to continueinverting into the pipe, which also moves the robot as the liner isseated against the robot plate. The robot operator will then have avisual view of the main liner having the reference marker. The robot isoutfitted with an instrument that identifies exactly 12:00 by a pointinglaser beam or similar methods of marking the crown of the pipe at 12:00.The operator ensures that the reference mark on the main liner issubstantially aligned with the 12:00 mark of the crown of the pipe. Ifthe reference mark is not substantially in alignment, the robot with itsmechanical arm rotates, causing the liner to rotate so the marks aresubstantially aligned.

In the situation where the entire main pipe and one or more laterals areto be renewed between an upstream and downstream manhole, there is norequirement for a mainline bladder. In this case, the mainline linerincludes plastic coating on its exterior before inversion, which evertsto be on the interior of the liner post inversion. Because access to theliner is available from each manhole, the ends of the mainline liner areclosed and cut open post curing of the resin. The lateral liners mayalso be closed, or may include a lateral bladder that is connected tothe coating of the mainline liner tube. A parachute may also be attachedto the upper end of the lateral bladders. The mainline liner tube ismanufactured having the longitudinal reference mark and additionally, amark is made around the circumference of the mainline liner tube. Thiscircumferential mark identifies a zero distance mark that is alignedwith the face of the pipe opening at the insertion manhole. Again, theliner assembly is saturated with resin. The mainline liner, the lateralliner or liners, and possibly a lateral bladder are loaded into alauncher (typically a pressure vessel with an outlet pipe). Theliner/bladder assembly is inverted so the circumferential mark isaligned with the face of the pipe and the mainline liner tube begins toinvert, progressing through the pipe. The robot identifies the 12:00location of the pipe and ensures the reference mark on the mainlineliner tube is aligned with the mark on the crown of the main pipe. Byensuring the manufactured mark on the liner is aligned substantially attrue 12:00, and by aligning the circumferential mark on the liner withthe pipe opening at the inserting manhole, the lateral liner tubes willalign with the lateral openings in the main pipe as the mainline linertube is inverted from one manhole to the adjacent manhole. The mainlineliner tube may be constructed with materials that resist stretch, suchas continuous longitudinal glass strands, carbon fiber filament, wovenscrim, or other high tensile materials to further aid in aligning thelateral liners and pipes.

As the repair assembly 20 is being inflated and expanded through themain pipe 14, a positioning system, such as a ring gear and motor, maybe operatively connected to the launcher device 40 and/or repairassembly 20. The motor may be electric or air driven and can be used torotate the assembly 20 via the ring gear to align the lateralbladders/liners with the lateral pipe or pipes to be repaired. If, forsome reason, the assembly is inadvertently rotated during the inflationof the bladders, the inversion can be halted momentarily and thepositioning system can be used to rotate the assembly such that thereference marker associated with a specific lateral pipe aligns with thelateral pipe to be repaired. The inflation or expansion can then becontinued with greater confidence that the one or more lateral pipesbeing repaired will be aligned with the lateral bladder and linerassemblies.

FIGS. 10-11 show the assembly being inverted into the launcher deviceand becoming aligned with the main pipe to be repaired. FIG. 10 showsthe repair assembly 20 after it has been pulled through the launcherdevice opening. As shown in FIG. 10, the open end of the main bladder 22can be folded upon the launcher device opening. As shown in FIG. 10, theopen end of the bladder is connected to the launcher device opening bythe use of banding 44 such that it is fluidly sealed to the launcherdevice 40. The banding 44 may comprise tape, clamps, and any othermeans, which will provide a fluid tight seal at the launcher deviceopening between the launcher device opening and the open end of the mainbladder.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the invention contemplatesthat the assembly 20 may not need a launcher device in all embodiments.In such embodiments, the open end of the main bladder is simply foldedover itself at the air source and is fluidly sealed to the fluid sourcesuch that the fluid source will cause the assembly to evert through thefluid source and into the pipe. An example of utilizing a bladder foldedover itself without the use a launcher device is shown and described inU.S. Patent Publication 2010/0301505, which is hereby incorporated inits entirety. As shown and described in the '505 publication, thebladder may attach to a reel such that the reel provides a fluid sourceto invert the bladder and liner assembly through the pipe without theuse of a launcher device or lay flat hose.

FIG. 11 shows the repair assembly 20 connected to the launcher device 40and being aligned with the main pipe 14. Once the repair assembly 20 hasbeen inserted into and attached to the launcher device 40, the assembly20 is then aligned with the main pipe opening 14. This will generally bewithin the service pipe, which may be the upstream manhole 10, but couldbe in any service pipe. The repair assembly 20 is positioned generallyat the opening of the main pipe 14 such that the main pipe can berepaired from the beginning of the pipe. However, as mentioned, therepair assembly 20 can also be moved to a position within the main pipe14, such as at a location from the opening of the main pipe at themanhole. Once the assembly is aligned, air, steam, or another fluid isintroduced to the repair assembly to begin expanding the main andlateral bladders such that the system will be everted into and throughthe main and lateral pipes.

The inflation and expansion of the repair assembly 20 may be viewed viaa downstream camera that is introduced to the main pipe via thedownstream manhole 12. For example, the everting face of the bladdercould be viewed by the camera, which can send the video to a sourceoutside the pipe, such as a screen, phone, tablet, computer, or otherdevice. Such an everting face will indicate that the system is movingthrough the main pipe. Additional cameras may be introduced through theopposite ends of the lateral pipes to indicate or show that the lateralpipes are being repaired as well by the expansion of the lateralbladders and liners into the lateral pipes.

Furthermore, as mentioned, the assembly 20 may need to be rotated orotherwise oriented during the expansion of the bladder assemblies toalign the one or more lateral bladder/liners with the one or morelateral pipes being repaired. While it has been disclosed that thepositioning can be done at the upstream manhole, such as at the launcherdevice, for expansion of the system, it is also contemplated that thepositioning and/or orienting can be done at the inverting face of themain bladder. For example, it is contemplated that a robot including acamera and blade type member can be introduced through the downstreammanhole 12. As the camera provides a display of the inverting face ofthe main bladder, an operator may determine if the system has rotatedduring the expansion of the system. For example, as is known in the art,the inverting face may have a smiley face type configuration orappearance due to the expansion and inversion of the main bladder. If itis determined that the inverting face of the bladder or liner hasrotated based upon the orientation of the “smiley face”, the positioningblade may be inserted into the inverting face of the bladder, and therobot used to rotate the repair assembly 20 within the pipe. The repairassembly 20 is rotated to realign the inverting bladders and the pipessuch that the one or more lateral bladders are aligned with the lateralpipe openings such that the plurality of lateral pipes may be repairedalong with and during the repair of an extended length of main pipe.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a main pipe as well as firstand second lateral pipes 16, 17 extending therefrom. The Figure isincluded to show a type of pipe system that may be repaired using themethod and apparatus of the invention, as the invention beginspositioning through the pipes. The invention is capable of repairing anextended length of main pipe as well as one or more lateral pipesextending from the main pipe at the same time and using the sameassembly of repairing the main pipe. Furthermore, this is done withoutthe use of launcher device at each of the lateral pipe openings, whichcan reduce the accuracy of lining the lateral bladder and liners withthe lateral pipes.

As is shown in FIGS. 12-14, the repair assembly 20 that has beenattached to the launcher device 40 has been introduced with a fluid forexpanding the bladder assembly 21 through the pipe system. The mainbladder tube 22 is everted through the launcher device 40 (lay flathose) and itself to position the main liner member or tube 26 fromwithin the main bladder tube 22 to a position between the main bladdertube 22 and the main pipe 14. In addition, as the repair assembly 20 isexpanded through the main pipe 14, a plurality of lateral bladder tubes24, 25 have been attached to the main bladder tube 22 such that they arealigned at a pipe junction 19 with lateral pipes 27, 28. Therefore, asthe repair assembly 20 reaches the pipe junction 19, additionalinflation or expansion of the bladder assembly 21 will cause the alignedlateral bladder tubes 24, 25 to be inserted and everted into and throughthe lateral pipes 16, 17. As the lateral bladders 24, 25 are evertedinto the lateral pipes 16, 17 the eversion will cause the lateral linertubes 27, 28 to evert from a position within the lateral bladder tubesto a position between the lateral bladder tubes and the lateral pipes.

The fluid pressure is maintained in the bladder assembly 21 until thefull length of the liners of the liner assembly 30 have been everted,and then until the material impregnated therein has cured and hardened.Once the material impregnated in the liners of the assembly 30 has curedand hardened (while the bladders have maintained their expansion), thebladders can be deflated and removed from the system, such as by pullingon the ropes 52 attached to the closed ends thereof. FIG. 14 shows sucha situation, which shows that the bladders have been removed, and whatis left is the cured liners, which form the repaired walls of the pipesof the system.

FIG. 16 shows yet another configuration of a pipe system 100, includinga main pipe 102, and lateral pipes 103, 104, and 105. The lateral pipe105 extending generally downwardly in FIG. 16 includes a juncture 106comprising a change in diameter, as well as multiple bends 107.

FIG. 17 shows a repair assembly 110 capable of repairing such a pipesystem 100, as shown in FIG. 16. The repair assembly 110 is shown in aneverted position within the pipes of the system 100. For example, abladder assembly 112 includes a main bladder tube 114, first lateralbladder tube 115, second lateral bladder tube 116, and a third lateralbladder tube 117. The lateral bladder tubes are fluidly connected to themain bladder tube, and are attached to and sized according to theangular connection and diameters of the lateral pipes of the pipesystem. Therefore, the third lateral bladder tube 117 includes a firstsection and a second section each having separate diameters, to accountfor the juncture 106 in the lateral pipe 105 wherein the pipe changesdiameter. This change in diameter, and the location thereof, could bepredetermined such that the bladder is configured to match the structureof the pipe. In addition, the bladders comprise a material that is ableto curve at the bends 107 of the pipe.

Each of the main and lateral bladders includes a closed end that isconnected to a separate rope, cord, or other member. These are shown inFIG. 17, as the first rope 130 corresponds to the first lateral bladder115, the second rope 131 corresponds to the second lateral bladder 116,the third rope 132 corresponds to the main bladder 114, and the fourthrope 133 corresponds to the third lateral bladder 117. The ropes willaid in the lining of the pipes, while also allowing the bladders to beremoved after the repair is complete.

The repair assembly also includes a liner assembly 120, which comprisesa main liner member 121, a first lateral liner tube 122, a secondlateral liner tube 123, and a third lateral liner tube 124. The linerassembly 120, according to some aspects, comprises a resin absorbentmaterial, and is impregnated with a material capable of curing andhardening, such as by the methods previously disclosed. The main linermember 121 may be a tube or a rolled sheet, and is capable of lining atleast a portion of the main pipe 102. The third lateral liner tube 117can be tailored to the configuration of the changing diameter pipe, orcan comprise a single diameter, in which the liner has a diameter equalto or larger than the larger diameter section of pipe. The liner wouldbe allowed to fold on itself at the smaller diameter section, whilestill providing a smooth interior wall formed by the curable material.

The pipe system 100 is first measured, such as by with a camera, digitalvideo capture-measuring device, or other mechanism, to get the blueprintand/or configuration of the pipe. The amount of repair is determined,and a corresponding bladder assembly 112 and lining assembly 120 ismade, in order to match the layout of the pipe system 100 and the repairconfiguration. To line the pipe, the lining assembly 120 is positionedat least partially within the bladder assembly 112, and a resin isimpregnated into the lining assembly 120. The lateral members areinverted into the main members, and the main members are invertedthrough their selves and/or a launching device, such as a lay flat hose(not shown).

The repair assembly 110 is positioned at the pipe, and air or otherfluids are added to the interior of the assembly. The main bladder andliner will begin to evert into and through the main pipe 102, where themain liner member 121 will move from a position within the main bladder114 to a position between the bladder and the pipe. At the location ofthe first lateral pipe 103, the first lateral bladder and liner willevert from the main bladder/liner combination, such that the firstlateral liner tube 122 will evert from within the first lateral tube 115to between the bladder and the lateral pipe. At the location of thethird lateral pipe 105, the third lateral bladder and liner will evertfrom the main bladder/liner combination, such that the third lateralliner tube 124 will evert from within the third lateral tube 115 tobetween the bladder and the lateral pipe. The third bladder/linercombination will continue to line the pipe, even after the change in thediameter of the pipe, such as that shown in FIG. 17, and will continueto line the pipe around the bends 107 of the pipe, such that the desiredlength of pipe is lined.

During the lining of the lateral pipes 103, 105, the main bladder andliner will continue to be everted through the main pipe 102. At thelocation of the second lateral pipe 104, the second lateral bladder andliner 116, 123 will evert from the main bladder/liner combination, suchthat the second lateral liner tube 123 will evert from within the firstlateral tube 116 to between the bladder and the lateral pipe. The mainliner 121 is shown to line a portion of the pipe extending beyond thelast lateral pipe 104, where it reaches the end of the desired length ofrepair. The bladders will maintain their expansion until the materialimpregnated in the liners has cured and hardened. The lines 130, 131,132, and 133 can then be pulled to remove the bladders from the pipesystem. However, in some instances, the bladders may form a mechanicaland/or chemical bond with the liners to stay within the pipe, thusforming the new wall. In such circumstances, the closed ends of thebladders can be cut open to reinstate access to the pipes.

Thus, as has been shown and described, the present invention provides amethod and means for aligning an extended length of a main pipe as wellas one or more lateral pipes extending from the main pipe at generallyany angle and configuration. The lateral pipes are lined as the mainpipe is being lined with an everting main liner. Thus, in at least someinstances, the lining of the lateral pipes can be simultaneous or in acontinuous manner as the main pipe lining by the everting main linermember. While some figures show a system where the lateral pipes extendat obtuse angles from the main pipe at generally the same radialconfigurations, it is to be understood that the present inventionprovides for repairing generally any configurations of a lateral pipe orpipes extending from the main pipe.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that the present invention may beutilized to repair an entire length of a main pipe extending from anupstream manhole to a downstream manhole, as well as any and all lateralpipes extending from said main pipe. In such a case, a panoramic robotmay be first utilized to map out the configuration of the pipe systembetween the upstream and downstream service pipes or manholes. The robotcan provide a two-dimensional layout for the pipe system. As such, arepair assembly 20, including a bladder assembly and liner assembly canbe prepared to match the length and configuration of the main andlateral pipe(s) between the two service pipes. For example, the lengthof the main bladder and liner(s) can be determined to ensure that thefull length of main pipe between the service pipes is repaired.Furthermore, the number and configuration of lateral pipes, which may beone or more, extending from the main pipe can be determined such thatthe lateral bladder(s) and liner(s) can be attached to the main bladderand liner at the appropriate position(s) along the length of the repairassembly 20, as well as at the appropriate angle relative to the axis ofthe main pipe. Thus, it is contemplated that the one or more lateralpipes being repaired at the same time as the main pipe may be at variousangles and radial configurations relative to the axis of the main pipe.

Furthermore, a rope may be attached to each of the ends of each of thelateral bladders as well as the main bladder to be repaired along thefull length of the main pipe. The use of the ropes will provide multiplebenefits. The length of the ropes can be determined such that theoperator can be sure that the full or desired length of the lateralpipe(s) has been repaired with the lateral bladder and linercombination. Furthermore, the ropes can be used to remove the bladdersfrom the main and lateral pipe(s) once the material impregnated into theliner assembly has cured and hardened within the pipes.

The present invention provides numerous benefits and advantages overprior methods and systems for repairing pipe systems. For example, ashas been understood, the ability to repair an extended section of mainpipe along with one or more lateral pipes at the same time and using thesame assembly will greatly reduce the cost and time for repairing a pipesystem. Heretofore, it has been known to repair each lateral pipeindividually, and then repairing the main pipe. Thus, the presentinvention will reduce the time for repairing each lateral pipeindividually, and also reduce the possibility of blockages created byobstructions due to the overlapping layers of the liners due to theindividual lining of the lateral and main pipes. Furthermore, as thesystem can be custom tailored to match a section of main pipe and theone or more lateral pipes extending therefrom, the system removes theuse of a launcher device at each juncture between a main and lateralpipe. Removing the need for a launcher device can increase the alignmentof the lateral bladder and liner with the lateral pipe as the mainbladder is expanding through the main pipe. Furthermore, as the mainliner member may be frangibly attached to the main bladder prior toexpansion of the system, the accuracy of the system and reduction ofrotation during expansion may also be increased. The frangibleconnection can be easily overcome when removing the bladder from thepipe system.

As has been discussed, numerous variations, adjustments, substitutions,and the like may be incorporated into the method and means of aligningthe pipe according to the present invention. For example, the removal ofthe bladder assembly may be utilized when a liner assembly includes afluid impermeable coating on one side thereof. Furthermore, the lay flathose launcher device may not be needed in all embodiments, as thebladder can be simply folded over itself and connected to a fluidproviding means. Various means of aligning or steering the assembly asit is expanded through the main and lateral pipes may also be utilized.For example, a steering assembly may be utilized at the expansion end ofthe assembly and used with a reference marker to ensure that theassembly is aligned as it is expanded through the main pipe. Inaddition, a robot and steering device may be incorporated through thedownstream service pipe such that it is able to steer the inverting endof the assembly as it is expanded through the pipe as well.

In addition, it is contemplated that additional components be added tothe repair assemblies of the aspects of the invention. For example,sealing members, such as O-rings, hydrophilic bands or rings, or othermembers may be used. O-rings, single or plural, may be positioned at theends of each lateral liner tube, as well as at both ends of the mainliner member, in order to aid in sealing from water. The O-rings maycomprise a hydrophilic material, which swells under the presence ofwater. Other hydrophilic sealing members could be positioned at thejunctures between the main and lateral liners to aid in sealing saidjunctures as the repair assembly is everted through the main pipe andinto the lateral pipes.

It should be understood that additional changes and modifications to theembodiments shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilledin the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention, and without diminishing itsadvantages. It is intended, therefore, that such changes andmodifications be covered by the embodiments of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of repairing pipes including a main pipeextending between a first and second manhole and one or more lateralpipes extending from the main pipe, the method comprising: providing aliner assembly comprising a main liner member and one or more lateralliner tubes extending from the main liner member and capable of evertingfrom within the main liner member to a position in one of the one ormore lateral pipes; impregnating the liner assembly with a materialcapable of curing and hardening; everting the main liner member withinthe main pipe while simultaneously or continuously everting at least oneof the one or more lateral liner tubes into one of the one or morelateral pipes; and allowing the material to cure and harden.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising providing a bladder assemblycomprising a main bladder tube and one or more lateral bladder tubesextending from the main bladder tube, wherein the main bladder tube isinflated to evert, and wherein the one or more lateral bladder tubes aremovable from a position within the main bladder tube to an evertedposition outside the main bladder tube.
 3. The method of claim 2 whereinthe main liner member is positioned at least partially within the mainbladder tube and everts to a position at least partially surrounding themain bladder tube between the main bladder tube and the main pipe. 4.The method of claim 3 further comprising removing the bladder assemblyfrom the main and lateral pipes after the material has cured andhardened.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the liner assembly is evertedfrom the first manhole and towards the second manhole such that the mainliner member is positioned against the main pipe and the one or morelateral liner tubes are positioned within the one or more lateral pipes.6. The method of claim 1 wherein the liner assembly is everted at adistance from the first manhole and towards the second manhole.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the liner assembly comprises a lateral linerfor each of the one or more lateral pipes between the first and secondmanholes, and wherein each of the lateral pipes and the main pipe arelined by the liner assembly.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprisinglining all of the lateral pipes in a continuous or simultaneous manneras the main liner member is everted.
 9. A repair assembly for repairingat least a portion of a main pipe between a first and second manhole, aswell as one or more lateral pipes extending from the main pipe,comprising: a bladder assembly comprising a main bladder tube and one ormore lateral bladder tubes extending from the main bladder tube tocoincide with the one or more lateral pipes; the one or more lateralbladder tubes capable of everting from a position at least partiallywithin the main bladder to a position at least partially outside themain bladder; a liner assembly comprising a main liner member capable ofeverting within the main pipe and one or more lateral liner tubesextending from the main liner member, each lateral liner tube capable ofeverting from within the main liner member to a position within one ofthe one or more lateral pipes; wherein the main liner member is moveablebetween a position at least partially within the main bladder tube to aposition at least partially outside the main bladder tube; and whereinthe main and lateral liners comprise a resin absorbent material.
 10. Therepair assembly of claim 9 wherein the bladder assembly is operativelyattached to an inflation source.
 11. The repair assembly of claim 9further comprising a launcher device operably attached to the mainbladder tube to inflate the bladder assembly through the main pipe andinto the lateral pipes.
 12. The repair assembly of claim 9 wherein theone or more lateral liner tubes extend from a single, common main linermember.
 13. The repair assembly of claim 12 wherein each of the lateralliner tubes are fluidly connected to the main liner member at linerjunctures.
 14. The repair assembly of claim 9 wherein the one or morelateral bladder tubes extend from a single, common main bladder tube.15. A method of repairing pipes including at least a portion of a mainpipe extending between a first and second manhole and one or morelateral pipes extending from the main pipe, the method comprising:providing a bladder assembly comprising a main bladder tube and one ormore lateral bladder tubes extending from the main bladder tube;providing a liner assembly comprising a main liner member and one ormore lateral liner tubes extending from the main liner member, the linerassembly capable of everting from within the main bladder tube;impregnating the liner assembly with a material capable of curing andhardening; inflating the bladder assembly to evert the main liner memberfrom within the main bladder tube to a location within the main pipethat is between the main bladder tube and the main pipe; wherein the oneor more lateral bladder tubes and lateral liner tubes evert into the oneor more lateral pipes with the lateral liner tubes between the lateralbladder tubes and the lateral pipes as the bladder assembly is inflated;and allowing the material to cure and harden.
 16. The method of claim 15further comprising removing the bladder assembly from the main andlateral pipes after the material has cured and hardened.
 17. The methodof claim 15 further comprising everting the main bladder tube and mainliner member from the first manhole and towards the second manhole torepair at least a portion of the main pipe.
 18. The method of claim 15wherein two lateral pipes are lined and repaired at the same time ofrepairing the main pipe.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the step ofinflating the bladder assembly everts the main bladder tube from alauncher device near the first manhole.
 20. The method of claim 15further comprising lining all of the lateral pipes in a continuousmanner as the bladder assembly is inflated.